Stallion Ad - WE'RE BACK

[CUNDEL]

They had orders for 100 in their hand, so why not build? SO, how many people do they think will wait around till they decide the time is right for them to build?
There must be something else wrong. Why would you buy 150 engines/trans
units, take orders, then back out?
Personally I'm just going to head another direction. You know what they say about beating a "DEAD HORSE"!

[Dean H]

FYI, all correspondence on the Stallion should be addressed to Richard Purdy at TBMS.

[Bob Witte]

Thanks Bob, I have contacted this advertiser. If they get back we will see. Thanks for your efforts, I have never looked at craigslist for any thing. So you have open a new road for me.

Well if you are going where angels fear to tread, let me offer you a few more bits of advice about Online Safety:

Okay, while the online marketplace is free and a good place to find almost anything at cheap prices, you need to be careful to avoid the scams. Craigslist, Oodle, Backpage, etc., form the backbone of what are great online market places. Unfortunately they don't provide any real protection for the buyers or the sellers. As a result, the buyers can be frequently cheated by fraudulent sellers and of course, visa versa.

Following are some tips to avoid the dangers of online market sites:

1. These sites are a source for bargains (that’s why they exist). But if someone is offering to sell any commodity online at a much lower price than it's usual and customary market value, be extra careful with that deal.

2. When buying or selling, yours is a “big ticket” item so deal with local people you can meet. This way you can avoid most the online scams.

3. Even when local, search the internet with the keyword(s) of the name, phone number, email or address of the person or company with whom you are going to deal. Look for any negative comments on the Net about them.

4. Never give your financial information (bank account number, social security number, etc., to anyone. Those who ask for such information are the most likely to be frauds.

5. Be aware of fake cashier checks & money orders. Banks will cash them and then hold you responsible when the fake is discovered later on.

6. Never use Western Union, Moneygram or any other similar services for financial transactions. When buying, use cash, check (if they’ll take it) or regular bank transfers and cash or bank transfer when selling.

7. Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services you are not absolutely sure of.

8. Communicate via email instead of instant messaging. At least with emails you will have some level of proof which you may show to police later on, if you need to. But with prudent caution, you shouldn’t need to!

9. Don't be afraid to ask for help on this forum if you'd like someone to "lay eyes" on the item on your behalf. You have thousands of "family members" on this forum all over the USA. I know I would respond to such a request if I could, but Jacksonville is 4 hours away.

Okay there you go! Likely far more information than you might even have wanted! But to be informed is to be forwarned! Be sure to post pictures of your new ride!!

[Mattel]

They had orders for 100 in their hand, so why not build? SO, how many people do they think will wait around till they decide the time is right for them to build?
There must be something else wrong. Why would you buy 150 engines/trans
units, take orders, then back out?
Personally I'm just going to head another direction. You know what they say about beating a "DEAD HORSE"!

TBMS makes great trikes, but they never have felt the need to keep their customers informed about what is going on.

[molinoman]

Unfortunately, TBMS may have lost any "good will" remaining from prospective buyers with this latest episode of not even going thru with their temporary run of 2.3 L Stallions before the supposed 2.5 L Stallions go into production...right now I just don't believe them and have really been turned off by this latest action on their part.

This year I may have been in the market to finally get one but now I am greatly disappointed by their recent actions.

It doesn't thrill me much having to "settle" for a CanAm Spyder...but I have started "warming" up to them and at least they are available and have some good marketing points to go with them (you all know how I dug into all the info on the Stallion when I first started going down this road) and other than a smaller engine (as compared to the Stallion) they have plenty of storage, look sharp and even have a warranty that covers pulling a trailer if you wish.

My only main concern with them is that they may be more high tech than needed but then I have also been looking at the Evaro...if they ever get that off of the ground.

Dennis

[Gorilla]

I think it's time that someone from Motor Trike post a response. I believe it would be appropiate for them to state the facts (how many were really on order, did they really get the 150 drive trains of the 2.3L, why they really pulled the plug for now etc.?) I really believe that Jeff and Diane had valid reason even to the point that maybe in the current economy the parent company (Motor Trike) need their full attention and they could not afford to make Stallions. If that could be stated so that the disappointed people can fully understand their decision.

[Motor Trike]

We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

No one wants to produce Stallions more than we do. However, it’s simply not the right decision for us since, as we stated, we cannot profitably manufacture the Stallion at this time. Undoubtedly, we wish things were different.

Several of our Dealers still have Stallions for sale – please contact them for details.

[pmar6004]

I think it's time that someone from Motor Trike post a response. I believe it would be appropiate for them to state the facts (how many were really on order, did they really get the 150 drive trains of the 2.3L, why they really pulled the plug for now etc.?) I really believe that Jeff and Diane had valid reason even to the point that maybe in the current economy the parent company (Motor Trike) need their full attention and they could not afford to make Stallions. If that could be stated so that the disappointed people can fully understand they why for the decision.

Ted,

I'm in full agreement with you, but don't hold your breath. Mattel's post was right when he said "TBMS makes great trikes, but they never have felt the need to keep their customers informed about what is going on". This was evident when they announced that no 2011 Stallions would be manufactured due to the 2.3L engine shortage, but within 45 days, Jeff stated he would keep the public informed as to the direction they would be going. No formal announcement was ever given, to my understanding. Again, this lack of communication was evident when I placed my order for a new Stallion back in June 2010. I was told not to expect getting a 2010 model, due to the number of orders ahead of me, but I should expect my 2011 Stallion around September or October. I ordered a base model with a MSRP of $24,995, putting down a $2000 deposit in good faith. I made repeated contacts with my dealership asking if he had gotten any word from TBMS, when the the month of October pasted. Most of my communication with my dealership was by email. The answer was always that he had not heard anything. I think it was sometime in July or August of last year, that TBMS announced a price increase, with MSRP of $28,315 for their base model 2011 Stallions. That news spurred a 2nd question: Will TBMS honor the invoice price that was given me? Again, we'll get back to you with an answer, was the response from my dealership.

Ultimately, when I learned the TBMS was not going the make any 2011 Stallions, I made the decision to buy used vs. new. I wasn't going to miss another riding season, if I could help it. I'm happy to report that I was successful in June to acquire one and to get my deposit back from the dealership, AFTER I had expended further attempts to get answers to my questions: when could I expect my Stallion to be built and will TBMS honor my invoice price? Some may ask, why a Stallion trike? Because I had a stroke in October of 2008, which affected my right side, my motorcycling days ended abruptly after enjoying the sport for nearly 50 years. I could not safely operate the controls of a motorcycle or one that was converted into a trike. I regained the ability to operate my car, after months of physical/occupational therapy.

It was after I could safely drive my car again, that I considered buying a Stallion. The Stallion would allow me to regain to enjoyment of feeling the wind in my face, that sense of freedom that only a motorcyclist/triker can explain. I read on this forum that TBMS had orders filled for 100 of the 150 Stallions that they reported that would be built the the first quarter of 2012. If this is true, then why did they pull the plug? On the surface, this doesn't make any sense, common, business or otherwise. What message does this convey to TBMS' customer base, both present owners and prospective owners? Yes, it is my belief that TBMS needs to make major improvements when it comes to PR and keeping customers informed. Jeff Vey, CEO of Motor Trike/TBMS said that the Stallion is not dead. But is it dieing? I hope not!!!

Daydreamer

[molinoman]

Daydreamer, sorry to hear about your experience and that it took so long to resolve itself.

Unfortunately, for me, the Stallion is probably dead for all intents and purposes. You will notice that in the post previous to yours that TMS did give a brief statement about their decision but what was really ominous, to me, was that they did not give any assurances (or reassurances) that they were still going to go ahead with the production later on this year of the 2.5 model.

It's really sad, the Stallion is a great trike and I had hopes of getting a new one soon but now...everything appears to be up in the air.

For those of you that have been fortunate enough to enjoy one...I am just a little envious but now I am probably going to start making plans to buy something else in the future.

Enjoy them while you can.

Dennis

[pmar6004]

Daydreamer, sorry to hear about your experience and that it took so long to resolve itself.

Unfortunately, for me, the Stallion is probably dead for all intents and purposes. You will notice that in the post previous to yours that TMS did give a brief statement about their decision but what was really ominous, to me, was that they did give any assurances (or reassurances) that they were still going to go ahead with the production later on this year of the 2.5 model.

It's really sad, the Stallion is a great trike and I had hopes of getting a new one soon but now...everything appears to be up in the air.

For those of you that have been fortunate enough to enjoy one...I am just a little envious but now I am probably going to start making plans to buy something else in the future.

Enjoy them while you can.

Dennis

Dennis,

When I started my post to this thread, I was not aware that Motor Trike (Thoroughbred Motorsports) made another statement. Yes, it's unfortunate that nothing was said about going ahead with their plans with the purported Ford 2.5 liter power plant or give some assurances that the Stallion has a future in 2013, if not anytime soon. Dennis, I think you meant to say this in your post, correct? In any event, I hope that TBMS resolves their problems, whatever they may be. In my opinion, it's not for lack of interest. It certainly was not in 2010 when I placed my order and I'm relatively certain that's not the sole problem today.

If it's true that no one wants the Stallion to succeed more than TBMS, then show it by keeping the public informed. Give us some assurances that things are progressing in a positive direction from time to time, by updating your website. Come out with a Service Manual so that existing Stallion owners, like myself, can service our machines or know where to find the answers, rather than to call Nick, if he's still affiliated with your company. If additional capital is needed, offer extended warranties to current owners. Harley Davidson bought out AMF by listing it on the stock exchange and attracting investors. That's another way to acquire needed capital. I'm sure there a many other ways... Yes, the current economic conditions of the country will make it difficult, but where there is a will, there's a way.

Sorry...! What started out as a post to further comment on Dennis' post, ended up as a lecture to TBMS. I apologize, as this wasn't my intentions. It is my hope and I pray that TBMS can resolve these problems, whatever they may be.

Daydreamer

[metaldad]

Paul,<br />
Well said. I believe TBMS understands people are frustrated especially without an inadequate amount of information but it is still a business they are running and if we were in their shoes and we were responsible for current and hopefully future owners emotions we to would have a hard time balancing what critical and necessary information to give out. I am a current owner and I bet I am not the only current owner that is concerned about the future of the stallion but I can also respect and understand the companies side of the situation. Sometimes no or little information is better. They tried informing people possibly too early they were going to collect as many 2.3L motors and build more while working out the bugs for the Pushchairs of the 2.5L stallions. <br />
<br />
If they would have held back the information and just stated the stallions are off production until further notice we would have been concerned when operations would continue but not be pissed about them sitting on 150 or so 2.3L motors tentatively. This is a good example of more information not followed through for whatever reason that caused more problems. It is always easier to give very little and correct information than it is to just post updates and hope things get completed as was posted and then not the complete them as pulling the plug. This causes more problems. Hopefully we will here the facts soon. But I am willing to wait for the correct information instead of a post for the sake of just posting.

[3-togo]

Please note that Thoroughbred motorsports has new posting dated nov.29th ,2011,stating that insufficient orders were placed.Therefore,no stallions will be produced until economic conditions improve. Hope they stay in business.

[ODDOMAN]

"supply and demand", as i see it...i know what i paid for my stallion, and i wouldn't sell it for less than what i paid for it....i think that if tbms went belly up on the stallion.....it would make the remaining stallions worth a bundle in the future.....i think that i am riding in a collectors dream of the future.....less than 800 made? If you want it? You'll pay for it....i love my stallion....."no" it is not for sale.!!!!!!!!

Oddoman
2010 #667
effingham, sc.....

[Schoolmarm]

We had one of the 150 on order, but was told the end of November they pulled the plug on that. We searched all over for a used one and finally found one in December in Georgia. I accepted delivery of the 2009 used Stallion on December 8. Our understanding was TBMS had the last of the ranger motors, but was having difficulty getting the bodies made. They needed to order quite a few of the bodies, but didn't have the capitol for the required amount. Maybe later, they will get enough interest in the Stallion to produce them again. There is a need for the automatics, for us with medical problems, that will let us continue riding, but only a bike like the Stallion. Hopefully the economy will turn around and TBMS will get back into Stallion production. I totally agree with a previous post that they have a great product. Especially for us who are medically or physically challenged!

[Mattel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Motor Trike</strong>
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<div class="message">We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. <br />
<br />
No one wants to produce Stallions more than we do. However, it’s simply not the right decision for us since, as we stated, we cannot profitably manufacture the Stallion at this time. Undoubtedly, we wish things were different.<br />
<br />
Several of our Dealers still have Stallions for sale – please contact them for details.</div>

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</div>I just had to bump this post. It is nice to see you on this forum after years of silence. Keep it up, talk to us. We are the people who make or break your future business. You can spend money on an add in wing world or for less than the postage you can market the new way with our help. I never understood tbms's aversion to keeping their customer base informed. I purchase a 32k trike sight unseen. I put down my deposit over the phone before I ever rode one.

I did that because I believed in your dream. <br />
<br />
What is wrong with posting your sketches of prototypes, designs, what you have been through to get here? Make a wickopedia page. Other manufactures have done this, why can't TBMS do the same? If you allow others to see and know more it will help you get enough interest to sell the number you need to be successful.<br />
<br />
I sold my stallion and if I was in the market for another trike I am not sure I would get another. Provide that dream, communication is the fuel that makes dreams burn bright.

[Craigar]

Is the 2.5L and redesigned engine, or just a bigger 2.3L?

[Motor Trike]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Craigar</strong>
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<div class="message">Is the 2.5L and redesigned engine, or just a bigger 2.3L?</div>

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</div><span style="font-family: Arial">It is still a 2.3L engine - just the same as always. There are not any 2.5L engines in any of the Stallions currently being produced, and there are no plans for a 2.5L or any other engine at this time. </span>